Fifi's quilt

Last night  Over the weekending , I sewn up the drawstring bag for Fifi's quilt. I used {French Seam Style Drawstring Bag} from the {tutorial} I wrote awhile back. Then stored the quilt in the drawstring bag last night. The quilt is almost ready for her journey over pacific ocean and I hope  The package has been shipped this morning and on its way over the pacific ocean. Next week, sometimes will landed and delivered to Fifi. We did let her know there's a package coming to her soon, but she has not idea what's the contents { shhhh.... don't let the cat out of bag}.

After finished the photograph last week, I debated on if I should writing a short post or a long post due to the terrible summer cold that I have been fighting over a week now. This summer cold seems never going away, I made a few more days pause and thinking if I make it long where should I start? If I make it short, what should I included in the post on the fabric information,etc.  Um, then I work up this morning tried so hard to clear my throat and keep this awful caught down before wake up S. After a few hours this morning to myself and sitting quietly in the kitchen table sipping through the lemon water; I am feeling much better. My mind seems functioning again and recall stories between me and Fifi is running like flash cards. Then I knew, that I actually want to write a long post and also included all the fabric information about this quilt.  So, my tea cup is filled with fresh made tea and you might want to get a cup of nice tea/coffee before start this reading...

How we met? 
It is not so tricky! Fifi and I met in October 14, 1978 sometimes that afternoon {my birthday}. She just turned 5 that summer and a pretty cute toddler. Fifi is the oldest kid in the family, so she is "trained" to be helpful! She probably didn't know what her mama was going to have; a baby boy or a baby girl. Dad was on the business trip to Hong-Kong, so he didn't make it to the labor room that day. Fifi was with other aunts waiting outside the labor room and waiting for her second siblings to be to be born.  I am not sure if she was excited to have another sibling, but for sure he/she was coming not matter what!

Toddler Years
Since Fifi and I are almost 5 years apart. You can pictured us being less connected when we were toddlers/ kids in many ways. When I was in kindergarden she was almost graduated from the elementary school. We spent some fun time in Grandpa's house as little kids. Of course, she didn't mind me much, since most cousins are closed to her age. I was always a mama's babe. Indeed, it was great, but she got in trouble more so. She was expected to be the good model between siblings and asked to take care of her sister and brother when she was little.  We still didn't have much in common in the toddler years.

Pre-Teen 
Having an older sister in the teen age years are the BEST! We finally were closed as we were started to changed in many ways. Last summer, we had so much talks about how our teen weekends spent. Fifi and I got so closed when I was in 6th grade and she was in high school. On many Sundays, We would rode our bikes from our home to the city, where fun shops were. The bike ride was almost one hour per one way then we spent so much time in the shops getting little things like stickers, cute socks, cute notepads, cute stationary, kawaii wash cloth, etc. We always stop by a beverage shop and older the same drink, peanut butter milk drink to the end of our Sunday adventure.

Most of the weekdays, Fifi studied in school till 10p.m. for the national college examinations. It was a very important exam that everyone took at the time. It determined which college you can go or some people would take a real job after high school.  When she was in the 12 grade, we rarely hang out anymore. When the time she arrived home, I was mostly in bedtime. On the weekends, she had to go to school for more studies.  

Teens
When Fifi decided to go to America to study. We, the family were shocked by her decision. Perhaps the study environment at the time was high volume pressure. We didn't know why she decided to leave home, but our parents respected her decision and helped her to go oversea. That time in high school was boring for me! After Fifi left home, we started to write to each other from time to time. Internet wasn't popular in the 90's back home. International phone call was so expensive at the time. I was always in school when she called home. Slowly, we were on two sides of the balance again. Summer time when she visited home, she was always busy and I had a gang of friends that I hang out with. A long summer vacation always went quick for both of us. I always work on some summer part-time job in the city. Her school always started early than we did then it was time for her to pack up to return to school. I knew I will see her again next summer, but each time when she left it felt really lonely again even we didn't get to hang out much. Her bedroom was dark again!

One year together 
Before graduated from high school, my parents asked me if I'd be interested to go to America study. I wasn't sure! It felt like so far away from home and not able to see my friends ever again. But, after all then thoughts and talks. I decided to give it a one-year try. So in 1997, Fifi and I spent a whole year together. Oh.... NO! We were probably THE worse sisters ever! Somehow the chemistry didn't work so well together that year! Now, I think back! I felt that she needed to be there for me all time, since I just came to this new country and she is the only person I knew! We travelled within U.S., but we didn't travel well! I've always wanted to go one way, but she was more interested in to go the other way. You know, we never didn't come to the same agreement in that whole year. But she still is the best sister that I could ask for! She cooked for me on every weekending that whole year, since I was so sick from all the new food and lost so much weight.

Little S
Seeing your sister in the labor room is a very powerful moment and memory in life. I could never forget Fifi's tears when she saw me giving birth to S.  Since the labor went so quick with little S. I was able to walk that afternoon, but I also hurt my back during the labor time. Doctor asked me to rest and not bend my back for a month long. Then of course, there's a new born baby to take care of.  So I looked at Fifi and asked her if she can come home to bath S. I fully trust her gentle and sweet to baby S.  So for the first month of S' birth,  Fifi made her lunch break trip home everyday to bath S. I felt sorry that S always cried on the second month when I bath her. I never know WHY! Maybe there's always water on her face? oh dear...

Last Ten Years
Since S was born between Fifi and us are very closed! She is the person I go to when there's something that I am frustrated. She is the person S go to when S and mama got confliced. She has a lot of wisdoms as an older sister, a friend, and S' aunt, almost another mother to her. Fifi is lovely, but she also has powerful thoughts! Well, at that moment, we will try to stand 5 feet away from her until she is cool again! Years ago, as a younger mother, I always asked Fifi what should I do? There's always something that I felt she would do it wiser and better when it comes when the challenge from S.

Fifi always supports me in many of ideas of my handmade works. She still uses the pouch that I made her 10 years ago. It is ripped on the seams, but she still used it because it was made by me for her. Each time, I talked and shared with her my new work she always listen and give me her two cents.

No to mentioned, the well care that she gives to Lucky, the pup! After S adopted Lucky we realized it would so hard to have him here with us. Fifi takes over the job and take care of Lucky. Lucky is really "lucky" he gets full attention from Fifi and he even gets on scooter rides when Fifi gets errands to run in the city.

The quilt 
Back in February,  my Skype message pop up, " What to get for the 40th birthday?"  I replied, " a diamond weight 40 c." Fifi replied, " How big of my hand need to be?". I replied " oh, well".  Last year before we travelled back home. I knew I wanted to make Fifi a quilt for the big birthday, but it got postpone. I knew the "Single Girl Pattern" is the one that I want to make her, but with lack of idea in fabric selection I just stopped!  Then I narrow down fabric selection is going to be 30's reproduction fabric and then later on added various solid to break down the colors.  I am really happy about how this quilt turns out and you know this is my Third single girl quilt. I made one for  {S' 9th birthday} last year and made { roommate quilt} for myself to match S'.  I hope Fifi will love this birthday quilt and cuddle it up with her when she misses us.

I am blessed to have a sister who will always by my side. No matter what decisions I made and she will always be there while people come and go in my life. She will always be in my heart; cry with me and listen to me even thought is midnight in her time and she sounded so sleepy. Ever since high school, I am often being called, "the older sister". Since my body gesture is much alike mom side's family and Fifi is much alike dad's family and I am much taller than she is! When I was much younger, I didn't like that being called OLD, but for last two years. I started to enjoy being the "older" sister.

Fifi W. 

Happy 40th Birthday! 
We really LOVE you! 

xxc

Quilt Information: 
Quilt Pattern: Single Girl Quilt Pattern by Denyse Schmidt
Quilting: Used Long-arm quilting machine by me
Fabric Selection: Mainly used 30's reproduction fabric and added Kona solid fabric to break down colors.
Batting: 100% Cotton Batting
Binding: Scrappy Binding, cut in 2.5" wide
Photograph: By me; location: Alta, Iowa

Sew the week

S and I had a very lovely Mother's Day weekend. We had movie and pizza all weekending long. She made me a little card from fabric pieces and bought a mango from her field trip for me. We devoured the mango this Tuesday night and it was really sweet and tasty!

You won't believe that I have a new nick name, that is "everywhere". This week, I didn't get as much much time as I would like in the studio, but I am fulfilled with all the this and that running this week.

Monday
was pouring early in the morning. Then it rain all day long! I ran and got all the household supplies after dropped S off school . On the way to the store, I saw an older gentleman setting up a small table by the gas station. As the traffic going so quick I didn't get the chance to read the sign. Then on my way back, I purposely drove slow and read the sign "Asparagus". After quick read of the sign, I was stop in the traffic light then I turn left after green light. I pulled the car by the gentleman's car and asked him how much he is selling for a pound of asparagus. I asked him that I would like to get a pound. Then he started a very easy going conversation with me. I asked him if he has an umbrella to cover himself up. He replied,  "I gotta sale my asparagus, so I can go home!"  Then I smiled back at him!  We had really nice asparagus that night!  S loved how tender they tasted.

Tuesday
was so cold! I might had 3 plus cup of tea in the morning then two more cups in the afternoon. For the small production line for the sale. I made three i-pad cases, but it took me too long to decided what cover style to add on to the case. There were two styles I had in mind, but I went with a larger cover instead. Then the kitty pouch is for Fifi. You know, we have been preparing her birthday that's coming in less than 2 months. Next week, I'll be quilting her quilt in the long arm machine. Hope by next week, I could have some fun quilting pattern to go in the quilt. Then of course, a little hand-quilting in process..

Wednesday
was so nice! The weather warmed up and I went to visit a friend in town. We took a long walk together around the town. The spring morning walk is so nice! We visited while we walk. After saying goodbye to my friend, quickly I went to track meet to watch S' relay run. My goodness, that girl can really run! She was so proud to be part of the 200m dash. I clapped through the whole time she was running. She was running for the honor and running for her term. Yeah, I am a such proud mama!

Thursday
for the second I though we were back in the winter again. The house was so cold! After taking care of the orders then I sat in the studio; had both hoods up in my head. I had wish to sew, but just never felt hands got warm up. I left the house and went to the library. I worked on the week six's pack patch quilt along themes from there and did some computer works. Then I had to Skype Fifi to tell her all my week has been. Lucky was so tired and didn't even bother to come to the sound. It was midnight in Taiwan.

Friday
still cold today! I am dressed layers and feel like early November this morning when dropped S off school. I made the everyday stop to get coffee and dropped of the pouches for Monday's sale.  Waited in post office line to mail out the orders. Completed the pack patch blocks for week six and sort through some fabric stashes, press the new scrappy blocks seams open, thinking a new blog head is need soon, working on a few small sewing, packing up few more items.


xxc

Sew Organized!

There is another Spring storm coming through as I type and we slept through the one earlier this morning.  The sky is gray and photos are having more gray scale than the clear days. I shall brew a cup of tea for this afternoon and sew.  Oh, dear!  We have been organizing and cleaning here! I have brought some of our winter clothes back to storage and brought fabric stashes back to the country house where my friend generously offer to keep them in safe.  

Then yesterday was a perfect day to go through all the fabric less than fat quarters and have them organized. Then I found some prints that's less than 10" and pull them aside.  I think aloud in my head, I must like them so much. These fabric are so fresh in colors and I particular love the green print on the top left corner.

There's a small production line happening this week. I have been making one piece cloth zippered pouches for a sale that's coming up in two weeks. It is actually my first try and to be honest with you that I am not sure if this is something that I'll attempt again in the future.  I heart Patchwork!  As it  excites me and allows me to work with different patterns, prints scales and colors.  However, since I haven't made one piece cloth zippered pouch for so long and it does feel fresh and new to me.  The large scale prints are perfect for this production, I must said!

Oh, the backing fabric for Fifi's quilt arrived today. Between 10 plus prints in three different online shops, I finally decided to go with candy blue and though it would great for the backing!  The colors might not be Fifi's color, but surely something out of her comfort zone! Let's say, she is going to love it and scream!  I just wish she is going to have a fabulous birthday this year! How I wish we could live closer, so I can wrap her in this quilt and possible have three of us { S, me, Fifi} holding our single girl quilt together and take million of photos!

So, I though I'd show you the mini {kin-cha-ku} that I made for the {shop}. They are the size of the a hand and super cute! It is all hand-quilted and great for small personal items.  I really love making these tiny patchwork and it gives me perfect excuse to be clutter while cutting and working in the studio.

Lately, most of the time and much of energy goes to the search of our next permanent home. We've been taking road trips to look up places. Last weekend, we though we found one, but with lots careful discussions we decided to wait a little longer. Indeed, I am disappointed, but I know it is  important to make it right rather a quick decision. There are so much to learn and so much to consider. This process has been overwhelming for me and yes, one step a day, right?

Meanwhile, I am keeping the small production running here and start something new to keep the mind busy! Oh, we are reaching quilt along week #5 this coming Friday. I have the themes ready for you! I actually changed the idea as S was discussing something special yesterday.  It would be something sweet, pinky promised! 

xxc

Studio update: Zakka Style Patchwork Needle-books

{Zakka Style Patchwork Needle-Books} have added to the {studio shop}. I am so pleased with how these needle-books turn out.  I went with more classic and darker color schemes rather than the usual bright and vibrate colors for these needle books.

The hand-quilting stitches are so nice on these books and the texture is soft. The linen tab to fasten the book is slight different from the last needle-books design.  I added addition quarter inch wider with special order of the clover design snap fastener. The lining cotton pieces are used designer fabric and the needle placement is used hight quality wool blended felt.  The needle placement space is large, so there are rooms for pins, basting needles, between needles, embroidery needles, etc.

There are also four {mini kin-cha-ku} added to the {shop}! These mini {kin-cha-ku} are nice for small items or gifting to someone.  I made one for Miss Maggie to store her toys and one for S to store her little creature toys.  Enjoy~

Thank you

xxc

May

 {kin-cha-ku patchwork PDF pattern}

I have been absent lately. Oh, It has been busy for us! S and I have packed our books into boxes and these boxes will store back to our storage unit until we find a place to live. This search for a place to live has been hard and challenge. I cannot thank my dear friend enough for helping us look for the right place. It seems like the mind is getting confused about the area to live and place to stay. It is really exciting moment for us, but I am feeling a little anxious to settle down! My notepad is full of pros and cons about the area and the place to stay. Somewhat, I have been so concern about this move than any other move we've made in the past years! The sewing activity is slowing down this week, but each day I still make small patchwork, hand-quilting, journaling/designing, ideas for {pack patch mini quilt along} to keep the hands busy and give the mind a little break time!

The feedsack {kin-cha-ku} has arrived to receiver's hands last week! I took it with me and though I'd mailed it out from ND, but with the little time we had, I brought it back and mail out a few days later. The colors of these feedsack are so fresh and crisp from the photo and SOFT in texture! I particularly like the scale of the print/design in these feedsacks. They are great for fuzzy cuts and each print stands out on its own very well. I fancy a feedsack quilt in the future and will be just simple 9 patch or 16 patch block patchwork. Kona white might be great for the corresponding solid fabric for the feedsack quilt.

The rain has not stopped since this past weekending. So much rain and so much colder, the winter gears might need to be hang around for extra few weeks before the forecast shows "70" for a full week, fingers crossed for the good weather to come! However, I adore the greens everywhere in town and the almost tulips season will arrive soon, maybe another two weeks?! Oh, this spring is surely teasing us hard! With great 70's for a few days then high 30's throughout the week.. brr

Hot tea is always served in the raining days. Somehow it really warms up hands and body! The peach tea has been the lately favorite on the table and homemade rice crispy went so well with the tea.  We miss some good raining day baking time! I have a long list of things that I like to bake when we settle. The first on the list is Apple Pie then Lemon Blueberry Muffins then the almond cake then homemade chestmix treats... oh and the homemade bread, too!

Tomorrow is our week # 4 quilt along and I have them ready for you and will post on tomorrow once I dropped S off to school.


xxc